Mytilini

As intoxicating as ouzo!

Lesvos, the third largest island in Greece, is a magical place that makes you want to explore it. But even if one chooses to stay only in Mytilini, the capital, he is sure to leave full of beautiful pictures, special flavours and richer in memories. After all, Mytilini is a vibrant town which uniquely combines the crystal clear waters with lush green forests. It also combines history, culture and traditions with modern cosmopolitan life as well as museums and tours with night life.

While walking through the cobbled streets of the town to the district called “Sourada”, one can admire the traditional architecture and the well-preserved neoclassical manor houses of the 19th century which make images from another era come to life.

The Byzantine castle

The magnificent castle, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, overlooks the east side of town, in front of the port. It was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian on ancient ruins. Today it survives in good condition, and it can be visited and it is used for cultural events.

Admission: 2 euroOpening Hours: weekdays: 08:00-20:00

The Ancient Theatre

Located in the pine hills of Aghia Kyriaki, It is considered one of the largest theatres of the antiquity accommodating about 15,000 people. It has excellent acoustics. Admission is free

Old and New Archaeological Museum

The old building of the museum houses important findings from excavations (pottery, coins, mosaics, etc.) and the new museum has a permanent exhibition on the daily habits of the inhabitants, from the 7th century to the Roman times.

Admission: 3 euroOpening Hours: Tue to Sun, 08:30-15:00

Theophilos Museum

Theophilos Hadjimichael, a self-taught painter, is considered the main representative of Greek folk art of the 20th century. The museum exhibits 86 of his paintings.

Admission: 2 euroOpening Hours: Tue to Sun, 10:00-14:00

Museum of Modern Art – Eleftheriades (Tériade) Library

The most important exhibits in the museum include original book illustrations signed by great artists of the 20th century, such as Matisse, Miro, Picasso, Giacometti, Tsarouchis and many others.

Yeni mosque

An important historical monument of the 19th century. It is the largest mosque in the town and the most characteristic of this historical period in Greece. After its restoration it functions as exhibition area and hosts cultural events organised by the municipality.
Admission is free

Opening Hours: To visit you should make arrangements with the Department of Culture, T +30 22510 37394

Municipal Gallery of Art

The Municipal Gallery of Art is housed in an old three-storey mansion (Xalim Bey), near Epano Scala. It houses one of the greatest collections of works of art by Tsarouchis, Gounaropoulos, Iakovides, Protopatsis, Picasso, Moralis, Fassianos, Botsoglou and many others.
Admission is free